World’s First Zero-Star Hotel Opens Outside Zurich

Ramsey Qubein is Travelin' Light's on-the-road correspondent.

What exactly is a zero-star hotel like? Well, the Null Stern Hotel (literally: no stars) is housed underground in a nuclear bunker near Sevelen, Switzerland (an hour from Zurich). Two brothers and fellow artists Frank and Patrik Rikin are responsible for this $10 per night lodging, which they claim is a great option during tough economic times. Open for nearly three months now, guests experience little more than a clean, army-style bed and communal shower. Private rooms go for $30, which appeals to couples or those seeking a space of their own.

Heating is not the strength of this noisy bunker, and guests receive a hot water bottle when they arrive. Amenities are few and far between, but pairs of slippers and earplugs are part of the deal.

Switzerland has a nuclear bunker in most towns designed as a precaution during the Cold War. One caveat though: the government is allowing the brothers to use the bunker as long as they wish, but if it is needed for the city’s security purposes, local residents get to use it free of charge.

FareFinder: Tuesday, March 24

VacationMyrtleBeach.com offering Grand Strand resort specials starting at $48 a night.

The four-star Post Hotel Weggis in Switzerland offering a two-night Spring Awakening package that includes accommodations, meals, wellness treatments and mountain bike rentals for $780.

Continental.com last-minute airfare specials this week include Newark Liberty to Bermuda for $149 or Montreal for $128 and Houston to Mexico City for $209. All prices are for roundtrip tickets.

Delta.com partnering with Sandals Resorts to offer a four-night all-inclusive vacation to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa for $1,149 per person, including airfare.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C. offering a Weekend Traditions package that includes accommodations, breakfast at the elegant Adour restaurant and complimentary valet parking, starting at $395.

FareFinder: Tuesday, March 3

Dreams Resorts is offering two great deals: 15%-50% savings and $200 resort credit when you book by March 31, plus a "Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free" deal on select dates.

Luxury property Post Hotel Weggis is offering the "Winter Dreams at POHO Package" that includes two nights, meals, and other great extras for around $1,000.

NYC & Company extends winter deals for Restaurant Week, Deal-O-Matic, The Signature Collection Third Night and more.

College basketball fans can win a free Caribbean vacation at Nisbet Plantation by choosing the team they think will be this year's Cinderella in the NCAA Tournament.

Looking for something for the family? Check out the new Family Getaways section for trip ideas, insightful stories and travel deals.

FareFinder: Thursday, February 26

Sandals Resorts offering last-minute getaways, including four nights in the Bahamas for as little as $2,100.

Hurtigruten slashes prices on 17- to 21-day Greenland cruises, including airfare from NYC.

In response to AirTran specials, airlines rush to discount competing fares. Case in point: this Continental flight from Raleigh-Durham to Newark-Liberty.

Five-star Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich celebrates it re-opening anniversary with buy-one, get-one up to four nights.

Today is Carnival Cruise Line's one-day sale. Specials include a 5-day Caribbean cruise from Galveston for $279.

World's Longest Airport Bar

As if producing the world’s best chocolate and watches were not enough, Switzerland is home to the world’s longest airport bar. Passengers traveling on Swiss International Airlines’ new First or Business Class products gain access to this 80-foot legend of airport domains. As many as 91 travelers can saddle up comfortably to order the drink of their choice (complimentary, of course), and a cigar menu is also available.

During my many visits to this swanky lounge, I always wonder if people intentionally book longer connections so they can enjoy this unique space.

And to add to its list of superlatives, Swiss International Airlines is unveiling new fully flat beds in its First and Business Class cabins. In First Class, side walls will cocoon duvet-draped passengers on the longest beds of any European airline in the air. And how does Swiss know exactly what its best customers want? Well, the airline consults with them on an individual basis!

Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis star who has taken home 13 Grand Slam titles, provided input on the design. While these seats are reserved for the likes of corporate big wigs and superstar celebrities, the world’s longest airport bar is open to a larger base of travelers including those who hold Star Alliance Gold status.

The next time you find yourself squeezed in between two loud and obnoxious travelers, just close your eyes and pretend you’re here.

The iPod: Saving Lives Since 2008

iPods -- and all MP3 players -- are fantastic for a number of reasons. The primary being that they contain hours of music and can save travelers from a near death-like experience of having to actually converse with the person in next airplane seat.

Additionally, they're fantastic for skiers and snowboarders who like to jam out while cruising down the slopes. And a lost skier and snowboarder in Switzerland found a different use for their MP3 player this weekend: saving lives.

The two — a skier and snowboarder, both from France — had got lost late in the day Friday outside marked runs near the resort of Savognin in southeast Switzerland, said Gery Baumann, spokesman for mountain rescue service Rega.

“The two winter sports enthusiasts were found by the crew of the Rega helicopter shortly after midnight — thanks to the faint light of their MP3 player,” he said.

Yup, thanks to their MP3 player, the pair only suffered "mild hypothermia", which, while quite lame in and of itself, is vastly superior to the alternate: "death". The lesson as always? Go out, buy yourself an iPod (or whatever) and carry it with you at all times. Also: bring a battery pack.